Skyjack has held an opening ceremony for its 35,000 square metre new-build production plant in Tianjin, China, south east of Beijing. The new facility, located in the Tianjin Pilot Free Trade Zone, will also serve as the headquarters for Skyjack’s Asia-Pacific operation led by Chan Tran, vice president of Skyjack Asia-Pacific.
The new facility ready to welcome visitors
The opening ceremony saw more than 100 customers and local dignitaries welcomed by senior executives from both Skyjack and parent company Linamar. Attendees included the governor of the Tianjin Binhai New Area Shan Zefeng, the president of the Tianjin TAEA Administrative Committee Yin Xiaofeng, and Zu Bin, Commissioner of Tianjin TAEA Customs.
The company says that the investment represents a commitment to the now substantial Chinese aerial work platform market as well as the wider Asia-Pacific region. The new plant will initially focus on the production of its DC scissor production, switching to electric drive models at a later date.
Locally produced DC scissor lifts
Speaking at the event Linamar chief executive Linda Hasenfratz said: “We see exciting growth opportunities for Skyjack globally, it is what led us to increase our capacity in North America, Europe and China over the last two years. For Skyjack, our increased manufacturing capacity represents some of the largest investments in its history and we believe this will be instrumental in meeting our customers’ needs globally. With this increase in capacity, we especially look forward to improved market share and competitiveness in China and the larger Asia-Pacific region.”
Skyjack president Charlie Patterson said: “It is wonderful to welcome Chan Tran, who will head up the team focusing on sales, production, product support and new product development. We are very proud of our new facility and look forward to continued growth and prosperity in the region.”
Chan Tran added: “It was wonderful to see so many customers here demonstrating their support. We look forward to working together and striving to exceed expectations.”
Skyjack’s move into China began in 2022 when it signed an investment agreement with the Government of Binhai New Area, Tianjin to manufacture Skyjack products for the Asia-Pacific region. It started production in part of an existing Linamar plant in Tianjin plant, purely for the domestic Chinese market. This opening is the next stage in the company’s plans to build products closer to the markets where they will be sold and used.
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